News

Okpebholo Alleges Looting, Seeks EFCC Probe Of Edo Officials

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2024

The Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, called on banks to halt the granting of loans to the state government during the transition period.

He also raised concerns over the alleged looting of government funds and properties by officials of the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Godswill Inegbe also, Okpebholo called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Department of State Services to investigate the matter.

On Tuesday, the All Progressives Congress set up a 24-member transition committee, led by former Deputy Governor Pius Odubu, to meet with the state government committee ahead of the handover on November 12.

The statement read: “With great shock, we regret the widespread reports of looting of government funds and properties by officials of the outgoing administration from the Government House, Benin City.

“It is sad that barely one month to the handover, the outgoing administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki is still allegedly obtaining loans from banks and other financial institutions under very shady headings.

“We are also aware of the massive looting and vandalism of properties, including vehicles, furniture, gadgets, household utensils, and even carpets from offices and residences of the Edo State Government.

“This unacceptable behaviour undermines the trust and faith of our citizens in those entrusted to serve them over the past seven years.

“In light of the foregoing, we call on the relevant authorities, including the EFCC, police, and DSS, to investigate the allegations thoroughly and ensure that those found guilty are held accountable while protecting Government House and offices from vandals.”

It added: “Banks and other financial institutions are, by this notice, cautioned to desist from any dealings that would undermine the finances of the state, especially the granting of loans to the Edo State Government during this transition period.

“The Accountant General of Edo State is hereby advised to uphold the principle of integrity in his duty, as it is the only action that will put his name in gold.

“We want to state unequivocally that there will be dire consequences for any act of impunity and theft committed by any person or institution found wanting in this regard.

“We will continue to monitor the situation until the last day of the outgoing administration. Senator Monday Okpebholo will not condone any form of unethical behaviour, as he stresses a zero-tolerance policy for corruption.”

When contacted, the Commissioner for Orientation and Information, Chris Nehikhare, said he would respond to the statement on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the government has advised Okpebholo’s associates to wait until November 12 to commence governance, rather than making spurious allegations and claims aimed at creating the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

A statement by the Special Adviser on Media Projects, Crusoe Osagie, described the statement from Okpebholo’s media assistant as spurious, noting that it was not only incoherent and riddled with fake news, but also contained unfounded conjectures aimed at undermining the government.

He said: “A self-styled special assistant, whom nobody knows, issued a statement to create the impression that there are two governors in Edo State.

“Assuming he is truly speaking for the Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, the immodesty is most reprehensible. He made wild allegations, which he cannot substantiate because they are barefaced lies.

“It is quite understandable that these elements are angling for jobs, but there must be some clear-headedness and not this resort to outlandish and amateurish mudslinging.

“The next administration begins on November 12, 2024, and actors representing the incoming administration should wait for this date to arrive before they begin to govern, as there cannot be two governors of Edo State at the same time.”

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

4 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

10 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.